Evan Christopher

Evan Christopher was born in Long Beach, California and began his musical training on clarinet at age 11. In high school, he received the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award and was one of the first graduates of the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy. He continued studies at the University of Southern California and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Published research and academic presentations on the New Orleans clarinet style, initiated his pursuit of a Masters degree in Musicology at Tulane University. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina sent him travelling continuously on "Clarinet Road" until settling again in New Orleans in December, 2007

Delta Bound (Arbor's Records 2007), Live at the Meridien (Independent 2007), and his Clarinet Road series (STR Digital) are among the recordings under his own name and he is featured on many others with New Orleans artists such as Big Al Carson, Walter Payton, Duke Heitger, Narvin Kimball, Uncle Lionel Battiste, and Tom McDermott. Evan Christopher returned to New Orleans in 2001, and is recognized worldwide as one of the most important advocates for early jazz styles. Besides leading his own groups, the Jazz Traditions Project and Django ? la Cr?ole, he frequently tours with groups such as the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and also as a featured soloist. Evan Christopher has shared the stage with jazz legends including Marshall Hawkins, Tony Scott, Arvell Shaw, Kenny Davern, and George Wein.

His latest album, Django ? la Cr?ole, was released in New Orleans in April 2008 during the 25th anniversary of the famous French Quarter Festival.